Visiting Nusantara and IKN-CLC’s first Knowledge Sharing Session

Credit: NNCA/IKN

Led by CLC’s Executive Director, Hugh Lim, the delegation included subject matter experts Fong Chun Wah, Senior Advisor of the Housing and Development Board (HDB), Han Yong Hoe, Executive Director of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Toh Wee Khiang, Director at the Energy Market Authority (EMA).

This visit is a follow up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CLC and NNCA/IKN, signed on 16 March 2023, dedicated to knowledge sharing, capacity building and research in support of a smart and sustainable Nusantara. The MOU paves the way for collaboration and strategic cooperation between CLC and NNCA/IKN in areas such as integrated master planning, Smart City development and greening initiatives, climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in urban development, and building resilient and inclusive communities

A key highlight of the trip was a visit to the site of the new capital city, Nusantara, which sits in the northwest of Balikpapan City. The delegation was hosted by Silvia Halim, NNCA/IKN’s Deputy of Facilities and Infrastructure, to view the progress of the ongoing construction. They visited the nearly- completed Sepaku Semoi Dam, the Presidential Palace construction site and Titik Nol (Point Zero), and the Construction Workers’ Housing, amongst others.

The other objective of the trip was the knowledge sharing session, which reaffirms the importance of the knowledge sharing MOU. The session was opened by Hugh who spoke about CLC’s key role as a knowledge centre for liveable and sustainable cities, where we also serve as a nexus between government agency stakeholders and our academic and private sector partners to expand mindshare and explore joint urban solutions. This was followed by an insightful four-hour sharing on new town facilities, development control, and energy transition by our three experts from HDB, URA and EMA. The session generated fruitful discussion and many questions from NNCA/IKN colleagues.

Finally, the delegation met Dr. Bambang Susantono, Chairman NNCA/IKN, his wife Ms. Lusie Susantono and his team of deputies and staff on the evening of 12 July.

CLC will host NNCA/IKN counterparts in the next sharing session and workshop later this year in Singapore.

Writer’s Bio:

Christopher Soon
Assistant Director (Capability Development)
Centre for Liveable Cities

Christopher is a member of the Capability Development arm of CLC, where he is part of the team organising Milestone Programmes. Targeted at mid to senior-level officials from other cities, the Programmes share Singapore’s experiences in urban development, through the lens of the Singapore Liveability Framework.